HIMSS26 Symposium in March 2026 to Discuss Native American Health Tech

The HIMSS Native American & Indigenous Health Symposium is happening for the 4th time at HIMSS26 in March 2026. It focuses on using technology to improve health for Tribal communities.
By Newsroom | Healthcare, Technology |

The upcoming HIMSS26 Global Health Conference & Exhibition will feature the fourth annual Native American & Indigenous Health Symposium. This event, now in its fourth year, serves as a dedicated space for Tribal and Indigenous communities to convene and discuss healthcare and technology. The symposium aims to showcase how leaders and partners are working to improve Tribal health systems and explore health IT solutions that promote health equity and respect sovereignty.

Background and Evolution of the Symposium

The Native American & Indigenous Health Symposium has been a recurring part of the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition. Its origins trace back to 2022 when HIMSS launched its Native American & Indigenous Community. This global community was established to bring together Tribal and Indigenous members and their allies.

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The symposium itself has grown since its inception, expanding its reach to include Indigenous communities from:

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  • Aboriginal Australia

  • Canada

  • Alaskan Native Tribes

This expansion reflects an increasing effort to create a global platform for dialogue on Indigenous health.

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Symposium Focus and Objectives

The Native American & Indigenous Symposium at HIMSS26 is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM (US/Pacific) in Level 3, Murano 3204. Its stated purpose is to "Transform Tribal Health Through Health Information Technology." Key objectives include:

  • Celebrating Progress: Highlighting the work of leaders and partners in strengthening Tribal health systems.

  • Promoting Health Equity: Discussing health IT solutions that address disparities and ensure fair access to care.

  • Respecting Sovereignty: Exploring technology that upholds the self-governance of Tribal nations.

  • Leveraging Digital Health: Showcasing innovations that support Native American and Indigenous communities.

The symposium acts as a unique venue for Indigenous communities to engage directly with healthcare technology advancements.

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Key Figures and Community Engagement

Several individuals have been instrumental in the development and organization of the symposium and the broader HIMSS Native American & Indigenous Community. These include:

  • Brenda Hood: Serves as the HealtHIE Nevada client experience analyst, the Nevada HIMSS tribal liaison, and the tribal liaison for the state of Nevada for the HIMSS Native American and Indigenous Community.

  • Wallace Coffey: Former chairman of the Comanche Nation.

  • Krystal Schramm: Michigan HIMSS tribal liaison and vice chair of the HIMSS Native American and Indigenous Community.

These figures, among others, have been actively involved in events like the HIMSS25 Native American Symposium, representing the growing engagement within the community.

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Community members have expressed concerns about data sharing, highlighting a need for trust and secure platforms. Krystal Schramm has noted that "Tribal members are hesitant about sharing data." This underscores the importance of the symposium's focus on respecting sovereignty and building confidence in digital health solutions.

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Global Reach and Future Outlook

The HIMSS Native American & Indigenous Community and its associated symposium have extended beyond the United States. The inclusion of representatives from Indigenous groups in Australia and Canada indicates a broader scope for addressing global Indigenous health challenges. The initiative represents a significant step in bringing together diverse Indigenous populations with a common interest in advancing healthcare through technology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Native American & Indigenous Health Symposium at HIMSS26?
This is the fourth year HIMSS will hold a special meeting during its main conference. It is for Tribal and Indigenous people to talk about health and technology. It will happen on March 9, 2026.
Q: Why is the Native American & Indigenous Health Symposium important?
The meeting helps leaders and partners share how they are making Tribal health systems better. It also looks at technology that can help make healthcare fairer and respect the rights of Tribal nations.
Q: Who is involved in the Native American & Indigenous Health Symposium?
Key people like Brenda Hood, Wallace Coffey, and Krystal Schramm are helping to lead this effort. They work to bring together Tribal members and allies to discuss health improvements.
Q: What are the main goals of the symposium?
The goals are to show progress in Tribal health, use technology to make healthcare more equal, and support the self-rule of Tribal nations. It aims to use digital health to help Native American and Indigenous groups.
Q: Has the symposium grown to include other groups?
Yes, the event has grown to include Indigenous people from places like Australia and Canada. This shows a bigger effort to talk about health issues for Indigenous people around the world.
Q: What are some concerns from the community about health technology?
Some Tribal members are worried about sharing their health data. They want to be sure that platforms are safe and that their information is protected. This is why respecting sovereignty is a key part of the discussion.